Need help with the markings on this Swashbuckling Cutlass / Sabre?

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

Hello, Dana. Per our PM, just wanted to say again what a magnificent sword you have! Perusing some of the attached pics from the other dussack threads, you might note the style has more of an open unattached guard. Again, per our conversation, it is interesting to note that in Exquamillon's buccaneer/ pirate volume, both Jean David Nau (l'Olonnais) and Roc the Brazilian are pictured with similar clipped point Sinclair-types. Although possibly done for artistic license, I don't think it is too whimsical that such a sword would have been unpopular with pirates or naval men. As a sort of precursor to later cutlass types, it offered good coverage for the hand. The Gathenheim's (husband and wife privateers that formed a flotilla of Swedish pirates to protect that coast) certainly might have used such swords. Yes, I know I'm dragging the pirate theme in again, but you might note that many naval museums have thrown in Sinclairs as naval swords despite no absolute provenance of such...

www.cindyvallar.com/lollonais.html

http://www.golden-age-of-piracy.com/...brasiliano.php

Thanks Captain Mark. Your information was very helpful. I was able to find a good online copy of Alexandre Exquemelin and see the illustrations you were talking about.

“The Buccaneers of America” is a remarkable eyewitness account by Alexander Exquemelin, first published in 1678.

http://www.loc.gov/…/ex…/interactive...rs-of-america/

https://books.google.com/books…

Maybe someday someone will see the photos above and decode the inscription on the blade, but I won't hold my breath.